On February 25, 2021, on the first day of the University’s faculty members returning to work, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) held its 2021 Spring Meeting on Strategic Planning and Development to discuss the University’s development strategy for the coming year.
Yurong GUO, University Council Chairperson, Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech, members of the University’s leadership team, deans, and party committee secretaries of all the colleges attended the meeting.
On the agenda for discussion were seven keynote reports which involved in-depth dialogues on SUSTech’s development strategy and establishing SUSTech into a first-class research university.
Ms. Yurong GUO presided over the meeting. She pointed out that this year marks the first year of the “14th Five-Year Plan” and the start of a new decade of SUSTech. She noted this meeting focused on exploring the school’s development strategy for the coming year, discussing the construction of disciplines for the future. This meeting set out all aims for the new semester, and how to move the University towards a new level.
President Qikun XUE presented a report titled “Several Strategic Issues Concerning the University’s Development,” in which he elaborated on SUSTech’s “three-step” development strategy, University motto, and academic atmosphere. He said based on the university spirit and features of “Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship”, as an example of the national comprehensive reform pilot for higher education, SUSTech aims to cultivate future talents with its firm beliefs.
He noted that we must continue to serve the country through the development of science and technology, by cultivating our students with innovative thinking, who can adapt to new and challenging situations and come up with solutions.
In terms of the school motto, he said that not only does it contain the University’s philosophy, but it also reflects the standards and goals of all SUSTech members. After a series of discussions, the University proposed a revision to the SUSTech motto, highlighting that it should reflect “Illustrious virtue, Integrity, Self-reliance, and Truth-seeking.” Later, the University will continue to consult extensively on this to determine its revised motto.
President XUE analyzed the fourth scientific and technological revolution, highlighting the innovation over the past 100 years. He pointed out that SUSTech members should have a creative thought process and continue to think outside of the box to promote the University. He hopes the University will become a place to embrace dreams, and that dares to take responsibility with the courage to pursue the truth, and not afraid of reform.
“SUSTech will gradually realize its goal of becoming a first-class research university rooted in China, based on the “three-step” development strategy. As part of Shenzhen’s construction of a pilot demonstration zone, it will have a responsibility to innovatively explore development models and paths that differ from other universities,” said President XUE. He ended by stating SUSTech will achieve its goal of becoming a first-class university with extensive social and academic influence.
Mr. Susheng WANG, Director of the Planning and Development Department, presented a report on the “Review of the Work of Establishing SUSTech as the First-Class University”. In his report, he introduced the current progress and development plans to develop SUSTech into a first-class research university. He analyzed the opportunities and challenges facing the University’s development in light of the global situation, regional and domestic policies. At the end of his report, he introduced the plans for the next stage of the development of SUSTech in terms of updating its talent training model and improving its academic evaluation system.
In the afternoon, Professor Xueming YANG, Dean of the College of Science, presented a report titled “The Development Plan of the College of Science”. Professor Zhenghe XU, Dean of the College of Engineering, gave a speech titled “The Development Plan of the College of Engineering”. This was then followed by speeches from both Professor Mingzhao XING, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Professor Mingjie ZHANG, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, on the development plans, respectively.
Professor Shouzhu ZHANG, Deputy Dean of the Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (SIQSE), presented a keynote report on “Embrace the New Mission for Scientific and Technological Development of China”. Participating members at the conference held exchanges and discussions about the various reports and topics.
Those in attendance noted it was important to hold this meeting at the beginning of the new semester to set out the University’s strategic and forward-thinking plans for the future development of SUSTech. It has helped to inject new ideas and thought processes into the development of the University and for everyone to attain higher standards going forward.
